Hydrolyzed Jellyfish Collagen Types I, II, and V and Use Thereof

ABSTRACT

Hydrolyzed collagen types I, II, and V powder compositions, method of preparing the compositions, and use of the compositions in treating a variety of ailments. The compositions are topically or orally administered to an individual at a daily dosage between 1500 mg and 2000 mg.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

The present invention relates to a method of preparation for hydrolyzedcollagen type I, II, and V and its use as a therapeutic agent andnutritional supplement.

2. Description of Related Art

Collagen is a complex structural protein which provides strength andflexibility to skin, hair, and nails. Collagen is a major component ofmuscles, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, joints, and blood vessels.Hydrolyzed coastal jellyfish collagen is extracted from two species ofedible jellyfish. The two species, Stomolophus meleagris and Acromitushardenbergi, contain the highest amount of amino acid collagen types I,II, and V. Type I is primarily found in skin and tendons while type IIis primarily found in articular cartilage. Cartilage is unusual in thatit has a high proportion of glycine and proline residues. Specifically4-hydroxyproline and 5-hydroxylysine are found in very few other proteinsources, adding benefit to the intake of exogenous collagen.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,745 Koepff et al. discloses agents containingcollagen peptides produced by enzymatic hydrolysis for the treatment ofdegenerative joint diseases. These peptides can be obtained from animalskin, animal bones, and other purified connective tissues. Peptides ofthis nature have an average molecular weight of 30 to 45 kilodaltons.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,347 Trentham et al. and Trentham et al. (science261:1727-1729, 1993) disclose the effective treatment of rheumatoidarthritis with water-soluble whole chicken collagen type II orbiologically active peptides derived therefrom.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,364,845 Henderson discloses a therapeutic compositionand method for the protection, treatment, and repair of connectivetissue in mammals comprising glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, andmanganese ascorbate. U.S. Pat. No. 5,587,363 to Henderson discloses atherapeutic composition and method for the protection, treatment, andrepair of connective tissue in mammals including aminosugars andglycosaminoglycans.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,327 to Alkayali et al. discloses a composition ofhydrolyzed collage type II and a method of preparation thereof. Theinvention is useful in treating cartilage defects.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,838,440 to Stiles et al. discloses a composition andmethod of preparation for a desiccated avian sternal cartilage powderand specifically its use in treating arthritic joint cartilage diseases.

Several research studies on hydrolyzed jellyfish collagen have beenconducted in vivo showing positive health benefits such as improvedbrain function, reversal of photo-aging, fatigue reduction, arthritisprevention, and reduced cellular oxidation. Further, collagen helps tostimulate the immune system and neurological activities.

Based on the foregoing, there is a need in the art for a new compositionof collagens types I, II, and V that may be utilized as a supplement,prophylactic, or treatment for a wide range of conditions. Thecomposition should be available for use in a variety of forms fortopical or oral administration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A jellyfish-derived material comprises hydrolyzed collagen types I, II,and V having an average molecular weight of 4 kilodaltons and 20kilodaltons. Preferentially, the hydrolyzed collagen is sourced fromStomolophus meleagris and Acromitus hardenbergi. The hydrolyzed collagenis formulated into a delivery vector comprising one or more gelatincapsules, one or more aqueous solutions, one or more oil suspensions,one or more elixirs, one or more tables, and a powder.

A method for providing collagen types I, II, and V as a supplementincludes administering to an individual a daily dose of a hydrolyzedcollagen types I, II, and V, wherein the preferred daily dose is between1500 mg and 2000 mg. The supplement may be formulated as a topicalcream, orally administered tablet, or likewise vector.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, willbe apparent from the following, more particular description of thepreferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, andthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objectsand advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuingdescriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings brieflydescribed as follows.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the process for preparing thehydrolyzed jellyfish collagen powder, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention and their advantages maybe understood by referring to FIG. 1, wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like elements.

In general, the invention described herein refers to a composition withhydrolyzed collagen types I, II and V sourced from jellyfish, a methodfor preparing the composition, and use of the composition. The method ofproduction involves grinding fresh, frozen, or dehydrated jellyfish. Ina preferred embodiment, the jellyfish are Stomolophus meleagris andAcromitus hardenbergi. These species contain the highest levels ofcollagen type I, II, and V. The bell and oral arms are isolated from thejellyfish wherein high concentrations of collages types I, II, and Vexist. Prior art involves cutting and separating meat and bone from thecarcass of an animal such as a chicken. Jellyfish are a preferred sourceas they do not contain bone, brain, or a heart. They are comprised of 5%solid matter and 95% water making the isolation of proteins a moresimple process. Standard GMP processes are used throughout the entireprocess to produce a powdered collagen types I, II, and V supplement fororal, topical, or likewise administration. The powder will be a blend ofamino acids present

The production of hydrolyzed jellyfish collagen in powdered form isshown in FIG. 1. In step 5, fresh, frozen, or dehydrated jellyfish aresourced and the bell and oral arms are separated. A final composition of50% Stomolophus meleagris and 50% Acromitus hardenbergi is processed bygrinding each of the components together. In step 10, the groundjellyfish are suspended and incubated in an aqueous solution, preferablywater, for 24 hours at a temperature of 35° C. at a pH between about 4and 8. The grinding of the jellyfish allows for the salt removal andwashing process to be more efficient. The suspension and incubationperiod is repeated three times to remove salt from the suspension. Instep 15, the water is removed from the suspension leaving the jellyfishparticulates behind for purification. Enzymatic hydrolysation isobtained by incubating the jellyfish with one or more proteases under pHand temperature control to form a hydrolysate. The overall range ofmolecular weight is between 4 kilodaltons and 20 kilodaltons. In apreferred embodiment, the molecular weight of the product is between 15kilodaltons and 20 kilodaltons. The protease may include pancreatin,papain, ficin, or bromelain and are preferentially sourced sustainably.The pH will depend on the optimum activation pH of the specific enzymeused for the hydrolysation as known in the art. In a preferredembodiment, the protease enzyme pancreatin is used at a pH between 7.5and 8. At this pH the protease is effective at a temperature between 45°C. and 50° C. At this pH and temperature range an incubation period of12 hours is used. In step 20, the hydrolysate is sterilized for 30minutes at a temperature between 95° C. and 105° C. In another preferredembodiment, the protease enzyme papain is used at pH between 6 and 6.5.At this pH, the papain is effective at a temperature between 52° C. and57° C. At this pH and temperature range, an incubation period of 8 hoursis used. In steps 25 to 40, the sterilized hydrolysate is filteredthrough diatomaceous earth, concentrated under vacuum, dried to form thepowder, and packaged for retail, consumption, storage, or otherwise. Inan alternative embodiment, other methods of filtration, such as vacuumfiltration may be used. In a preferred embodiment, the vacuumconcentrated hydrolysate is spray dried through a size 56 pressurenozzle into a heat tunnel. The final particle size and mesh are adjustedto 0.46 g/cc, which will result in a fine powder. The fine powder iscomprised of collagen types I, II, and V, as well as a blend of otheramino acids present in the jellyfish oral arms and bell. The powder maythen be packed in a 40 kg drum having a plastic bag liner. This processyields a water soluble product.

The amino acid composition of the final hydrolysate of types I, II, andV collagen is shown below in Table 1. The amino acid composition of thehydrolysate may differ substantially from typical collagens. Thecomposition and molecular weights of the peptides allow for an increasein the bio-assimilation of the peptides. Table 2 shows the mineralcontent of the final composition. In a preferred embodiment, the finalcomposition is composed of 30% to 40% collagen peptides, and 30% to 35%minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, sulfur,magnesium, copper, phosphorous, manganese, and chloride.

TABLE 1 ASPARTIC ACID 2.99% THREONINE 2.32% SERINE 1.56% GLUTAMIC ACID5.77% PROLINE 3.72% GLYCINE 6.79% ALANINE 3.64% CYSTINE 0.36% VALINE1.09% METHIONINE 0.47% ISOLEUCINE 1.41% LEUCINE 1.94% TYROSINE 0.76%PHENYLALANINE 0.52% LYSINE (TOTAL) 1.87% HISTIDINE 0.24% ARGININE 2.84%TRYPTOPHAN 0.14% TOTAL 38.43%

TABLE 2 CALCIUM 0.43% POTASSIUM 0.435% SODIUM 10.6% IRON 0.00284% ZINC0.0035% SULFUR 2.22% MAGNESIUM 1.08% COPPER 0.0004% PHOSPHOROUS 0.155%MANGANESE 0.0% CHLORIDE 17.1% TOTAL 32.02674%

In an embodiment, the average molecular weight of the product is between15 kilodaltons and 20 kilodaltons. In a preferred embodiment, the finalmoisture content is between 2% and 5%. The final product is high inmucopolysaccharides, particularly chondroitin sulfate and glucosaminesulfate as shown in Table 3.

TABLE 3 CHONDROITIN SULFATE 10.59% HYALURONIC ACID 3.21%MUCOPOLYSACCARIDE 29.4% GLUCOSOMINE 0.19% TOTAL 38.43%

When taken orally, research shown that hydrolyzed jellyfish collagen isbeneficial in promoting brain function in age related neurologicaldiseases. Oral administration may include oral, enteral, or intragasticadministration. Several other research studies have shows benefits inreversing photo-aging, reducing fatigue, preventing arthritis, andreducing cell oxidation. Furthermore, the immune system is stimulatedalong with an increase in neurological activities. The targetedmolecular weight range of 4 kilodaltons to 20 kilodaltons allows for thehuman body to easily assimilate the essential nutrient presents in thecomposition.

Type I collagen is the most abundant collagen in the human body. It isused in treating conditions of the bone and skin. Type II collagen isfound in joint cartilage. Its oral ingestions appears to reduceautoimmunity resulting in reduced inflammation in instances ofosteoarthritis and rheumatism. Other forms of connective tissuedisorders have been greatly benefitted by type II collagen. Type Vcollagen has been associated with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome as well asother genetic and non-genetic connective tissue disorders. Various typesof collagen have been found to reduce wrinkles, support re-growth ofjoint tissue, relieve joint pain, prevent osteoporosis, reducecellulite, prevent stretch marks, aid in weight loss, detoxify theliver, repair leaky gut syndrome, support healthy hair growth, growstronger nails, support healthy teeth, balance hormones, alleviateanxiety, promote restful sleep, prevent atherosclerosis, increase brainfunction, among many more benefits. Supplementing hydrolyzed collagentypes I, II, and V can effectively be accomplished by oral ingestion ortopical application depending on the desired result.

The composition may be taken as a nutritional supplement, prophylacticagent, or therapeutic. Oral administration may be accomplished by takinga powder, tablet, oil emulsion, aqueous or oil suspension, hard or softcapsule, syrup, tincture, or elixir. Each of these embodiments may beformed by a method known in the art for the manufacture ofpharmaceutical, nutraceutical, or supplemental agents. The final productmay contain artificial or natural sweeteners, flavoring agents, coloringagents, binding agents, thickening agents, emulsifiers, andpreservatives. Any of these ingredients, and the combination thereof mayincrease the palatability of the composition. Binding agents may includestarch, gelatin and acacia. Granulating and disintegrating agents mayinclude corn starch and alginic acid. Lubricating agents may also beincluded including magnesium stearate, stearic acid, and talc.Furthermore, adjuvants as known in the art may be added to increase thebio-availability of the composition. Further, inert excipients may beused as known in the art. Excipients may include calcium carbonate,sodium carbonate, lactose, calcium phosphate, and sodium phosphate. If atablet form is used, the tablets may be instantized, or time buffered byadjusting the coating of the tablet. Time buffering materials such aswax, glyceryl monostearate, or glyceryl distearate may be used. Infurther embodiment, enteric coatings may be used. In furtherembodiments, the composition may take forms as found in the cosmeticindustry, such as facial creams, body lotions, lip sticks, and otherskin topical treatments.

In oral use formulations, mixing the active ingredients of thecomposition with an inert solid diluent may produce hard capsules asknown in the art. The inert solid diluent may include calcium carbonate,calcium phosphate, and kaolin. Soft gel formulations may include mixingthe active ingredients of the composition with water or an oil medium.

Aqueous suspensions may be produced as known in the art through theutilization of suspending agents, dispersing agents, wetting agents,among others known in the art. Sweetening agents may be used as known inthe art, including sucrose or saccharin.

Oil suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredientsof the composition in one or a combination of oils known in the art. Oilsuspensions may contain a thickening agent such as waxes, hard paraffin,or cetyl alcohol. Oils used may be vegetable oil, coconut oil, arachisoil, mineral oil, or others.

Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweeting agents, demulcents,preservatives, flavoring agents, and coloring agents as known in theart.

Research studies show that ascorbic acid found in fruit juices promotesthe formation of connective tissues when combined with hydrolyzedcollagen powder. For this reason, a preferred embodiment involvescombining the hydrolyzed collagen powder with an acid fruit juice priorto oral administration. Further, the fruit juice may be foregone by theuser of powdered ascorbic acid mixed with the active ingredients of thecomposition in a tablet.

In a preferred embodiment, the active ingredients are formulated in oneor more of the above-mentioned embodiments. The composition isadministered orally as a nutritional supplement. The hydrolyzed collagenis administered at a daily dosage of 200 mg to 5000 mg. In a preferredembodiment, the effective daily dose is between 1500 mg and 2000 mg. Inanother preferred embodiment, the hydrolyzed collagen is taken on anempty stomach with a beverage containing ascorbic acid (vitamin C). In apreferred embodiment, the hydrolyzed collagen is mixed with the ascorbicacid containing beverage prior to administration of the mixture.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments forthe purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the inventioncan be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not beregarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodiments disclosedherein, but instead as being fully commensurate in scope with thefollowing claims.

I claim:
 1. A method of providing collagen type I, collagen type II, andcollagen type V as a supplement comprising: a. administering to anindividual an effective daily dose of a jellyfish derived material, andwherein the jellyfish derived material comprises hydrolyzed collagentype I, hydrolyzed collagen type II, and hydrolyzed collagen type V. 2.The method of claim 1 wherein the jellyfish-derived material derivedfrom a group of jellyfish species comprising Stomolophus meleagris andAcromitus hardenbergi.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein each of thehydrolyzed collagen type I, hydrolyzed collagen type II, and hydrolyzedcollagen type V have an average molecular weight between 4 kilodaltonsand 20 kilodaltons.
 4. The method of claim 3 wherein each of thehydrolyzed collagen type I, hydrolyzed collagen type II, and Hydrolyzedcollagen type V have an average molecular weight between 15 kilodaltonsand 20 kilodaltons.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the supplement isadministered and formulated as a topical cream.
 6. The method of claim5, wherein the topical cream prevents an ailment comprising;neurodegenerative disease, degenerative joint diseases, joint defects,osteoarthritis, vascular disease, fatigue, cell oxidation, photo-aging,skin conditions, calcium binding proteins, memory loss, and decreasedbrain function.
 7. The method of claim 5, wherein an effective dailyamount is between 200 mg and 5000 mg.
 8. The method of claim 5, whereinthe effective daily amount is between 1500 mg and 2000 mg.
 9. The methodof claim 1 wherein the supplement is orally administered.
 10. The methodof claim 9, wherein the orally administered supplement is a formulationcomprising; one or more gelatin capsules, one or more aqueoussuspensions, one or more oil suspensions, one or more elixirs, one ormore tablets, and a powder.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein theorally administered supplement prevents an ailment comprising;neurodegenerative disease, degenerative joint diseases, joint defects,osteoarthritis, vascular disease, fatigue, cell oxidation, photo-aging,skin conditions, calcium binding proteins, memory loss, and decreasedbrain function.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the effective dailydoes is between 200 mg and 5000 mg.
 13. The method of claim 10, whereinthe effective daily does is between 1500 mg and 2000 mg.